I picked up between 5 and 10 pounds of pressure last week unexpectedly. I
was getting some valve noise and having trouble setting a carburetor when I
took my own advise that I have expressed before on this list. Go back to
basics. Everything else must be 'right' before trying to adjust the
carburetors. I found several valves with excessive clearances and adjusted
those. Then, while I had the cover off, I decided to see how many
'geysers' I had coming up from my rockers. Pleasant surprise - none.
However, I noticed excessive oil around the post that has the small oil
line. At first it looked like it was coming up from the rocker bearing.
Further looking revealed that it was coming from under the banjo fitting.
The bolt was a little loose and took a partial turn of the wrench (being
careful not to strip the threads). No change. So, I proceeded to remove
the oil line. There was only half a washer under the banjo. Fitted a
replacement fibre washer and reinstalled. No more gushing oil and had
better pressure on the trip to Santa Cruz. Recommend checking rocker
bearings and fittings.
Oh! Was able to adjust that carburetor after adjusting the valves, checking
timing, cleaning spark plugs, etc., first.
(The Other) Len
Vacaville, CA
1967 3000 MKIII HBJ8L39031
> [Original Message]
> From: Brashear, Jack, N <JNBrashear@garverengineers.com>
> To: Healey List <healeys@autox.team.net>
> Date: 5/18/2005 8:24:55 AM
> Subject: Problem?? with oil pressure
>
> Hi Folks, I can't seem to keep the oil pressure in my "comfort zone."
> 29E engine in my BT7 Mk2. I bought this car new and I've always turned
> my own wrenches so technospeak is OK by me. The engine is very fresh
> and has its second new oil pump recently installed. It doesn't seem to
> matter what oil I use...20W50 or straight 50 wt. Valvoline. Heck, I
> even tried straight 60 wt. once. Startup pressure is 65 psi with any
> oil. After spirited runs on a straight lonely road at 80 - 100 mph,
> running pressure at 3k rpm barely comes up to 20 psi regardless of the
> oil wt. All bearing clearances are correct. Could the relief spring be
> so weak that I'm bypassing all the time?? Has anyone ever jammed
> something behind the plunger to prevent its opening at all. Now I'm on
> my second new M+++ oil pump (gear type) in under 1000 miles. Are these
> ever so badly built such that the oil is bypassing internally?? What do
> you racers do to keep good oil pressure?? I have installed a spin-on
> filter conversion and I have an oil cooler that I could install if
> needed. This baffles the dickens outa me and I'm really hoping for some
> help from this awesome list. Many Thanks!!
> Jack
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